Doctor of Nursing Practice

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Nursing offers both the Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) to DNP and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP pathways. The added content in the BSN to DNP pathway will allow a seamless progression from the completion of a baccalaureate degree to advanced practice. Advanced practice specialty training at the doctoral level is needed to address the growing complexity of patient care and health care systems. In addition, expanding accountability of clinical expert nurses in advanced practice roles requires competencies in population-based care, leadership, health policy, health system improvement, research and evidence-based practice.

The existing Joint DNP program will continue until existing students have completed requirements for the DNP degree.

The purposes of the DNP program are to prepare graduates at the highest level of nursing practice to:

provide complex hospital and community-based care for patients and families.

redesign and evaluate nursing and health care systems.

address dire shortages of clinical nursing faculty to mentor and educate new nurses.

DNP Program Highlights

$381 per hour tuition with no additional fees, regardless of residence.

Nurse Faculty Loan Program is available for students who plan to teach after graduation. Loan supports tuition, books, software, and other reasonable educational expenses.

Fully online program with one required orientation on campus and annual DNP Intensive in Spring semesters.

UAH DNP Graduates

"DNP education allows me to influence what changes I want to see in healthcare. Combine that with evidence based practice and change is almost inevitable."Dee Dee Gardner, DNP, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC Cullman Regional Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, PC

"Completion of the DNP program at UAH expanded my realm of possibilities, challenged me to dig deeper and created a network of nursing colleagues that provide insight and resources for professional growth and interaction."Lynn Hogan, DNP, RN Nursing Depart. Chair // Calhoun Community College

Program Objectives

The graduate of the DNP Program will:

Synthesize scientific evidence for the development of clinical interventions for practice.

Assume complex leadership roles to advance clinical practice and health care delivery at the organizational and systems level and to improve health outcomes of individuals and populations.

Advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in health care.

The DNP focus is to prepare expert practitioners who can also serve as clinical faculty. The DNP will initially be offered as post-master's entry to nurses with a specialized advanced nursing master's degree.